壇上伽藍 – Danjo Garan

One of the nicest things about Mount Koya is that because everything is so well-connected by bus, it is quite easy to see everything you could want in a single day.  After seeing the Kongobu-ji and Okuno-in, it was just a short walk from Kongobu-ji to see the famous Danjo Garan.

According to legend, while he was in China studying, Kukai threw his in the direction of Japan.  And upon returning to Japan while searching for a place to establish the headquarters for his Shingon Buddhism, he found his stuck in the branches of a pine tree on Mount Koya.  He then set about constructing the Garan (also known as Danjo Garan) in that spot.  That very same pine tree still grows there.

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The two most important buildings of the Garan are the Kondo Hall and the Konpon Daito Pagoda.  Next to the tall, fantastic pagoda, Kondo Hall may seem a bit underwhelming, but it is the temple where all the major ceremonies are held, although it has burned down several timesover the years.  It also enshrines an image of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of medicine and healing.

Beside it stands the 45 meter tall Konpon Daito Pagoda.  The beautiful, vibrant red against the blue sky and green cedar trees was particularly striking.  Inside, the pagoda houses the Dainichi Nyorai, the Cosmic Buddha and central Buddha in Shingon Buddhism (no photography allowed).  It’s surrounded by statues and paintings on pillars that together form a three-dimensional mandala, a Buddhist symbol that represents the universe.  This particular mandala is of interest to Buddhist scholars because it’s a very unique design; mandalas are usually two-dimensional paintings.

UPDATE: Some of the grounds are under renovation, but the pagoda and main hall are still open to visitors and the renovations and scaffolding do not detract from viewing them.

Vital Information:

• Open: Garan Grounds Always Open; Kondo Hall and Daito Pagoda 8:30 to 17:00

• No Closing Days

• Garan Grounds Free Admission; Kondo Hall and Daito Pagoda 200 yen Admission each

• English Friendly

• 2-3 minute walk from Kongobu-ji